How to Spot a Serious Buyer: A Seller’s Guide to Reading the Signs

First Impressions Matter

Most serious buyers know whether a property feels right within the first few minutes of walking through the door. Pay attention to their body language and mood: a positive reaction, relaxed posture, and comments like "This is nice" or "I could see us here" are great indicators.

When more than one person attends a viewing (like a couple or family), they’ll often talk to each other quietly, make decisions together, and exchange meaningful glances. A serious buyer isn’t rushing through - they’ll take their time to properly look around, ask questions, and imagine themselves in the space.

Questions They Might Ask You

A viewer who asks about:

The boiler, fuse board, or energy efficiency
What’s staying or going (white goods, curtains, carpets)
Garden orientation or parking options
Local schools, amenities, or even the neighbours, is thinking about logistics, not just aesthetics. They may even ask to take photos or make notes. These are all signs they’re picturing themselves living there.

Follow-Up and Feedback

Genuine buyers tend to follow up quickly. If your agent says they’ve not heard anything back and have left messages, that’s likely a polite “no thanks”. Most serious buyers will get in touch within a day or two, even if it’s to arrange a second viewing or ask follow-up questions.

Some viewers may have your property as their second or third choice, and if another offer falls through, they could circle back. If someone rebooks for a second look, that’s usually a very good sign.

Questions to Ask Your Viewers (and Why They Matter)

While it’s not your job to interview potential buyers, a little friendly conversation can go a long way. Thoughtful questions not only help break the ice but also give you clues about how serious someone is about your property.

Ask about their situation: A simple “Are you local?” or “Are you already on the market?” can reveal whether they’re just browsing or ready to move. You could also ask, “Have you seen many others today?” to gauge how far along they are in their search.
Finances and logistics: If they’re open, ask whether they’ve got a mortgage in principle or whether they’re a cash buyer. A confident buyer will usually offer up this kind of detail unprompted, but if not, it’s fine to say something like: “Do you know what your ideal timeline is for moving?”
Lifestyle fit: If you’re in a family neighbourhood or close to parks, ask if they’ve got children or pets. This opens up conversation about local schools, clubs, green spaces and vet surgeries - all of which can add value in the right eyes.
Gauge their reaction tactfully: If you’re unsure how they’re feeling, gentle questions like “What do you think of the kitchen?” or “Would you keep the décor or go for something totally different?” can draw out their honest thoughts. Even if they’d change a few things, showing interest in how they’d make the home their own is a good sign.
Don’t be afraid to give space: Once you’ve had a chat, it’s also helpful to give viewers some room to wander, talk privately, and imagine themselves living in the space. You’ll usually sense if they linger longer, or ask to take photos - both positive signs.

Red Flags to Watch For

Some signs a viewer may not be serious:

They race around the house in five minutes
They avoid looking properly or asking questions
They make polite but vague comments and don’t follow up
They clearly compare it unfavourably to other properties

Final Thoughts

Selling your home can be emotional, and it’s easy to second-guess viewer behaviour. But armed with a little insight, you can better judge when a buyer is truly interested.

Consider using Emoov’s features to your advantage:

Use the platform to track viewing interest and feedback
Make sure your listing is attractive with great photography and full details
Share a downloadable information pack (local transport, schools, service history)

Trust your gut, and remember - the right buyer will show their hand, often from the moment they walk through the door.

Image is from a property for sale August 2025. A prestigious and historic building on Bala’s tree lined High Street. For more details see here.